While many of the Soldiers may have preferred to spend the day with their families, units
on the base made sure that troops had the chance to spend the day bonding with each other while
away from home.

Staff Sgt. William Mitchell, Area Support Group-Kuwait Fire Marshal, said, "I've made
lifetime friends in this unit because of days like today."

ASG-KU gathered together on Nov. 22, 2017 for the Turkey Bowl, a
friendly but competitive flag football game between enlisted personnel and officers.

Captain Connie Cox, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, ASG-KU said, "This
game is meant to do both, celebrate Thanksgiving and to enhance the morale throughout the
company."

The enlisted Soldiers took an early lead but the officers did not give up easily.

"It is not over until it is over," said Capt. Gawain Gudge, Medical Plans and Operations Officer,
ASG-KU. The enlisted team was ultimately victorious.

"Inter-unit competition is a good thing to have. It brings us together and allows us to get
to know Soldiers we don't normally get to interact with," said Mitchell, a native from Florence,
Alabama. "At the end of the day, we are all on one team. Comradery is what it is all about."

After the game everyone gathered together for a company Thanksgiving meal prepared
by the Soldiers themselves.

"I enjoyed watching the Soldiers cheer for their teams and bond with each other," says
Cox. "I thought the game was very exciting and fun; all the Soldiers seemed to really enjoy it."

On Nov. 23, 2017, Camp Arifjan began their day with the Turkey Trot 5K run followed
by a Thanksgiving meal served by leaders around the camp.

"I want to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast
Guardsmen, civilians, and contractors, here at Camp Arifjan, Camp Patriot, and Camp Beuhring.
We also want to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to our families at home," said Berger.

"Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving,"
said Garrett.

MWR hosted the Turkey Day Games event in which consisted of different games and
trivia throughout the day. All camp residents were welcome to participate and gift cards were awarded to the winners.

Holiday events like these will continue to be a part of the holiday season in order to maintain high morale and resiliency while away from home during the holidays.